‘Hobby Agriculture’ Helps Kansans, the Economy 2/17/03

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Most Kansans aren’t THAT far from their agricultural roots, despite the state’s population-heavy "urban corridor," stretching from Wichita to Salina and then Kansas City.

In fact, Chuck Marr would argue the majority of Kansans at least dabble in agriculture every year:

* They grow geraniums, aloe vera or oregano in their kitchen window, rather than oil-producing sunflowers by the acre. Yet, all four crops are equally ornamental.

* They have lawns, rather than wheat fields. But both grasses require planting, weed control, feeding and cutting.

MANHATTAN, Kan – Why does yard work remain the No. 1 U.S. leisure-time activity? K-State Research and Extension horticulturist Chuck Marr cites these research-backed possibilities:

* It’s good exercise that gets something done (besides exercising).

* From forests and parks to houseplants and cut flowers, nature "views" raise productivity and satisfaction.

* Being around plants can significantly reduce blood pressure, depression, muscle tension, complaints and stress.

* Adaptations in garden design and/or equipment make gardening possible for many people with disabilities.

* For overall health benefits (and taste!), food picked just before eating has the edge.

* It’s the only way to KNOW if fruits, vegetables and herbs have been exposed to chemicals.

* Smaller, yet still very productive new varieties are opening up a wide range of possibilities for those with small yards, as well as for container gardening.

* A well-maintained landscape can improve both curb appeal and real estate value.

* Kansans with no more than a 4x4-foot balcony grow a tomato plant each year. Producing food is what farmers do.

At-home "hobby" agriculture promotes the quality of life as well as the economy in Kansas, said Marr, who heads the horticulture outreach programs for Kansas State University Research and Extension.

"Research study after research study has shown plants are good for people. Everything from trees to a box of long-stemmed roses has benefits. Plant life can improve the quality of the air you breathe, cheer you up, reduce stress, even help you heal faster," he said. [See box.] "Besides, the activity of working in the yard can build flexibility, dexterity and strength – plus provide aerobic exercise. Gardening even lets you set your own pace, so it usually doesn’t matter how out of shape, old or busy you are."

A recent University of Arkansas study found that women who garden at least once a week have higher bone density than those who exercise by swimming, jogging or doing aerobics. An Institute of Natural Resources survey found gardeners as a whole spend more time than non-gardeners do in total physical activity.

"Maybe it’s the result of the last 10 years’ studies and reports calling for Americans to eat less fat and more fiber, fruits and vegetables. But new research indicates people who grow vegetables and fruits also tend to eat more of them than non-gardeners do – and in more varieties," Marr said. "The state 4-H office will tell you that’s a big reason why 4-H has started offering a Junior Master Gardener program."

Horticulture’s impact on the general Kansas economy can be difficult to measure, he said. But the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service has tried twice within the decade.

"The last study didn’t include all of the big-box chain stores or Mom-and-Pop hardware stores that do such a lot of business in plants every year. So, it also didn’t include the sales taxes and salaries they feed into the economy," Marr said. "And, it didn’t include the value of what Kansans produce at home for their families, community markets and craft shows.

"Even without these part-timers, however, the state’s horticulture professionals put the industry ahead of the state’s gross crop values for hay, sorghum, soybeans, cotton, dry beans and oats. In the most recent study year (2000), only wheat and corn beat Kansas horticulturists in crop-value produced."

Kansans who "farm" their home or business landscape also help support the state’s horticulture industry every time they use or shop at a lawn care service, florist, arborist, roadside melon stand, nursery, greenhouse, pecan or apple orchard, vineyard, Christmas tree farm, sod farm, or market garden.

"I’d call that American economics at its best. It helps us maintain strong roots and everyone benefits – far beyond just dollars and cents," Marr said.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.